The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) competed in a military drill meet at East Aurora High School in Aurora, IL, on Saturday, January 16, 2016. This competition attracts many of the best drill units from the hundreds of JROTC schools of all services in the Chicagoland area. 22 schools competed in this meet. MCHS earned a third place in the armed basic drill category. That unit was command by Cadet Captain Jalen Stockley. The Wolves also competed in unarmed basic drill, armed and unarmed exhibition drill, first year squad drill, and two color guards.
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, commended the cadets for their efforts in all categories, particularly since many of the key drillers on the team were absent. “We had a number of starters who did not compete, either for health or work reasons. I was very impressed with the way our younger cadets stepped up to the challenge, especially since the competition here was so tough,” he said.
“I think this bodes well for the future of our program, when our younger cadets have the confidence through diligent practicing that they can drill against the best of the best,” added Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak.
The Wolves next meet will be at Pike High School in Indianapolis on February 20, which will be another very competitive event. That, however, will take a back seat in preparation time to preparing for Marine Corps’ Inspector General Inspection on February 17th. “This is our Super Bowl,” said McGrath. “This is the primary way that we can be compared with other schools in our Region. “ There are 45 schools in Michigan City’s Region.
The cadets will continue to participate in events in support of the school and community, like providing Color Guards for all home boys basketball games and providing workers for the Queen of All Saints Fun Night on January 29th.